My Washington Post interview – Gender Roles in toys

The Washington Post interviewed me about gender roles in toys (article below). I prefer the term “gender tendencies” over gender roles. A role in my opinion is something you are pre-ordained to play, and it’s just too limiting. Boys and girls tend to be attracted to certain play-patterns and themes. For instance, boys have a tendency to be attracted to conflict play; Girls have a tendency to gravitate toward nurturing play. With that said, if we support our children’s talents, desires, preferences regardless of whether it is in lock-step with the traditional gender tendency, we will have happier children.